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© 2025 by Jessie Wilson Music.

Freddie McClendon

"A Southern Kid With No Box to Fit In"

Spending his early years living in a retirement home in Greenwood, South Carolina, where the elderly residents became his first music teachers. At just five years old, they introduced him to a wide range of music-from Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash to Buddy Holly and jazz legends like Louis Armstrong.

These early influences shaped his sound, blending country, jazz, folk, and even rap into a style that's unapologetically his own. His debut EP, Present Memories (2024), is a raw, emotional tribute to his late father, combining heartfelt lyrics with a fusion of country and folk storytelling of his dad's life, It's a deeply personal collection that captures themes of love, loss, and memory, while showcasing the diverse musical roots that define Freddie's voice. In 2025, his powerful "American Idol" audition moved Carrie Underwood to tears, earning him a golden ticket to Hollywood. His performance of "You Never Loved Him," a song dedicated to his father, demonstrated his rare ability to blend genres and emotion into one unforgettable moment. Judge Luke Bryan called him "the modern-day Paul Simon," praising his lyrical depth, fearless artistry, and genre-defying creativity.


Now, Freddie is preparing to record his live album, "Completely Fake Stories", Of Folk Lore and Country Gossip of the State of South Carolina and Its History, at the Newberry Opera House on June 21. His music is a reflection of his roots, his imagination, and a deep commitment to staying true to himself.